When temperatures cool and gardens become quieter, it's easy to assume your watering routine can stop completely. While it's true that most plants use less water during the winter, they don't stop needing it altogether.

In Alabama, winters are often mild, with stretches of warm, sunny weather between cold fronts. During these dry periods, trees, shrubs, perennials, and even newly planted landscapes still rely on moisture to stay healthy.

Understanding when and how to water during the winter can help your landscape emerge healthier and stronger in the spring.

Dormant Doesn't Mean Dead

Many trees, shrubs, and perennials go dormant during the winter.

Dormancy is a period of rest, where plants slow their growth to conserve energy until warmer weather returns.

Even though you may not see new leaves or flowers, roots are still alive beneath the soil and continue absorbing moisture when conditions allow.

Healthy roots are the foundation of healthy plants.

Which Plants Need Winter Watering?

Not every plant requires the same amount of attention, but these plants should be monitored throughout the winter:

• Newly planted trees
• Newly planted shrubs
• Evergreen trees and shrubs
• Winter annuals like pansies
• Perennials planted in the fall
• Container gardens
• Cool-season vegetables

New plants are especially important because their roots haven't had time to spread deeply into the surrounding soil.

Watch the Weather

Winter rainfall isn't always consistent.

If your landscape goes a week or two without meaningful rain, it's a good idea to check the soil.

You may need to water if:

• Rainfall has been limited.
• The soil feels dry several inches below the surface.
• Plants begin showing signs of drought stress.
• Winter winds are drying out evergreen foliage.

Checking the soil is always more reliable than watering on a fixed schedule.

Water on Mild Days

If watering is needed, choose a day when temperatures are above freezing.

Watering during the middle of the day allows moisture to soak into the soil before temperatures drop overnight.

Avoid watering if the ground is frozen or if a hard freeze is expected within the next several hours.

Water Deeply

Just like in the summer, deep watering is better than frequent, shallow watering.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where moisture remains available longer.

When watering trees and shrubs, focus on soaking the root zone rather than lightly spraying the surface.

Don't Forget Evergreens

Evergreen plants continue losing moisture through their leaves all winter long.

Plants such as:

• Hollies
• Boxwoods
• Arborvitae
• Magnolias
• Camellias

may need supplemental watering during extended dry periods, especially if they're newly planted.

Keeping evergreens properly watered helps reduce winter browning and leaf scorch.

Container Plants Dry Out Faster

Plants growing in containers often need more attention than those growing in the ground.

Because their roots are exposed on all sides, containers lose moisture much more quickly.

Check pots regularly and water when the soil begins to dry.

Good drainage is just as important during winter as it is during summer.

Mulch Helps Hold Moisture

A fresh layer of mulch doesn't just protect roots from temperature swings—it also helps conserve soil moisture.

Applying 2–3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds helps:

• Slow evaporation
• Regulate soil temperature
• Protect roots
• Reduce watering needs

Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems to prevent moisture-related problems.

Signs Your Plants Need Water

Even during winter, plants can show signs that they're thirsty.

Watch for:

• Dry soil several inches below the surface
• Wilting winter annuals
• Browning evergreen leaves
• Drooping foliage during warm spells
• Slow recovery after sunny days

Catching these signs early helps prevent long-term stress.

Common Winter Watering Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Assuming winter rain is always enough.
• Watering on a strict schedule instead of checking the soil.
• Overwatering plants in poorly drained areas.
• Forgetting to water newly planted trees and shrubs.
• Ignoring container plants.

The goal is consistent moisture—not constantly wet soil.

Visit Andy's Creekside Nursery

Winter may be a quieter season in the garden, but it's still an important time to care for your landscape.

At Andy's Creekside Nursery, we're happy to answer your questions about winter plant care, watering schedules, mulch, soils, and selecting plants that thrive in Alabama's climate.

Stop by this winter and let us help you keep your landscape healthy through every season.